Bakers Cyst?

I have a Bakers Cyst. I have had it for five years. I have recently had surgery to repair a torn minuscus. My Doc says that the cyst will go away. But it seems to be growing. What should I do?

Bakers Cyst?
Bakers Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)





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Definition


Baker's cyst, a collection of synovial fluid which has escaped from the knee joint or a bursa and formed a new synovial-lined sac in the popliteal space; seen in degenerative or other joint diseases.





Radiographic Appearance


Not generaly seen on a plain radiograph unless extensive, demonstrated on, a modified arthrogram, ultrasound, ct and MRI imaging.





Pathology


A baker’s cyst is a small (sometimes large) sack of fluid behind the knee. The sack itself is quite normal. Most people have one but it usually does not have enough fluid in it to be noticeable. It will cause problems only when it becomes swollen with fluid, especially if the comminication with the knee joint is via a one-way valve which lets fluid out into the cyst but prevents fluid from flowing back into the knee.


The fluid is almost always due to some problem within the joint itself such as arthritis or a torn cartilage. Occasionally the cyst fills up with fluid for other reasons.


Occasionally the cyst can leak fluid into the calf and cause calf sweeling, tightness %26amp; pain. This may even simulate a calf DVT (deep vein thrombosis)


It is easily diagnosed by a careful examination and an ultrasound scan.


Sometimes the cyst communication can be seen arthroscopically and the one-way flap valve excised.








Treatment:


It is best treated by treating the cause of the excess fluid (fixing the cartilage tear or arthritis) and then the Bakers cyst usually fades away. A large and persistent Bakers cyst may require surgical removal which is done through an incision across the back of the knee, although it can sometimes be removed by arthroscopic surgery direct to the cyst.





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